“In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me,a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
Psalm 31:1-5
I had the most incredible, tangible encounter with God yesterday. I just had to share it with all of you. I am a part of a new Sunday morning group that has begun for Lent, Praying with the Psalms.
Yesterday, we took the above scripture and used it for a lectio divina exercise. I urge you to try it today. You might find it fruitful.
Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) is a centuries old practice of reading and meditating on scripture. Created by St. Benedict, it helps us to let God’s word sink into our hearts, and therefore, become part of our prayer experience. Here is how it works:
- Find a place free of distractions and set aside at least 15-20 minutes of time that you can remain uninterrupted.
- Read the scripture slowly. Or better yet, listen to it. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/ This particular audio version covers much more than the verses we are studying today. The final line of our passage is “ you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
- Pay attention to any words or phrases that particularly stick out to you
- Read or listen to the passage again.
- Meditate on it; turn it over in your mind. Reflect on why these particular words catch your attention.
- Read the passage this time. Let it sink into your soul. Consider what God might be saying to you through this passage.
- Read or listen to the passage for a fourth time. Relax into the presence of God and contemplate what the scripture means for you and how you will respond. Will you respond with thanksgiving or a song? Will you draw a picture? Are you being called to do something specific? Or do you need more time to pray and seek its meaning?
- Consider making the relevant passage part of your ongoing conversation with God today. Seek His presence continually.
Lectio Divina can be a powerful form of prayer for many of us. For the remainder of Lent, I will always add a “Lectio Passage” to the end of our devotion for the day. If this form of prayer works for you, please enjoy using them.
May God’s presence reside tangibly among you friends.
Amen
mysaviorspeaks 
So good to see you back on my savior speaks sister God is so good He told me that you were back and
I need to go back to your web page thanks for the reminder on what I should thinking and doing in my time with my Lord.
Thank you so much for reaching out Farris. You bless me friend!